Rail leveling mechanism for planers and the like



Jan. 30, 1840. J. E. DORAN 2,188,568

RAIL LEVELING MECHANISM FOR PLANERS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 1'7, 1959 56 2a {I28 :7 a9

Q7 9 INVENTOR. t8 7 a? 36 5 25 y C60 Patented Jan. 30, 1940.

UNITED STATES RAIL LEVELING MECHANISM FOR PLANEBS AND THE LIKE 'John E. Doran, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The G. A. Gray Company, Cincinnati, Ohio,

a corporation of Ohio Application February 17, 1939, Serial No. 256,864

9 Claims;

The invention about to be described is designed particularly for use in that class of machine tools commonly known as planers, althoughthe principle upon which it functions adapts it readily to use in other classes of machine tools as well as machines of other character, in which its aims and functions would prove to be beneficial.

As an example of its application I employ a planer of the type in which the rail is supported slidably at each end on a housing located at each side of the bed and table. In such constructions it is known that differences in elevation of one end of the rail relatively to its opposite end, because of which truly horizontal movement of the tool head saddles becomes impossible, come about through the fact that rails as found in double housing planers, are relatively long, and, in adjusting them preparatory to proper tool placement with respect to the work to be machined, may become cocked in their slide-mounted relationship to the housings. This condition occurs only upon a lowering movement of the rail, since, during such a movement the fall of the rail occurs primarily because of the force of gravity, the action of the rail moving mechanism occuring only in the event either rail end lags or becomes stuck through improper slide adjustment, through dirt, or through improper lubrication. Such canting or cocking of the rail can never exceed the amount permitted by the back lash of all the gears and worms with such possible added spring or twist as may take place in associated shafting or the like. However, such rail cocking or tilting is ample to create material discrepancies in the work to be machined, and would do so were final rail position to be determined by the lowering movement alone, since the operator would never know until inaccuracy in machining began to show up, that the rail was not level.

Therefore an object of my invention is to enable a user of the machine, such as the character I describe briefly above, to obtain such adjust- 45 ment of the tool-carrying rail as will assure of its being accurately horizontal with the work carrying table of the machine.

A further object is to render such leveler mechanism automatically controllable through 50 instrumentalities constituting details of the machine mechanism.

These and other objects are attained in the invention I am about to describe and which is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which,

Fig. l is a diagrammatic disclosure of the purely electrical instrumentalities by means of which the invention is embodied.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammaticdisclosure, much like that of Fig. 1, but in which the invention is em- 5 bodied in a combination of electrical and mechanical instrumentalities which may be desirable under some circumstances.

In the diagrammatic disclosures of my invention, which I deem sufficient to enableanyone 10 skilled in the art to understand it, I employ substantially the identical symbols and reference numerals, except in one instance, as will be explained. For example, M, while referring to the motor by means of which the machine is op- 15 erated, also may be taken to refer to the entire machine of which the motor forms a. part. Symbol LS denotes the rail lowering switch of the exemplary planer employed in describing this invention, and symbol RS denotes the rail raising switch of the same planer mechanism. R indicates the push button employed to initiate the raising of the rail by means of the motor, and L indicates the push button employed to initiate the lowering of the rail by means of the motor. 5 In Fig. 1 the symbol TR is used to refer to a time relay, which is an electrically initiated device, while symbol MR is used to refer to a measuring or mechanically initiated relay device or switch directly operated by the motor. Like reference numerals refer to like parts and connections in both figures of the drawing.

Although have shown a three-wire system of circuiting, and, therefore, the, motor M is shown as a three-phase motor, it is'obvious that the system or combination of elements I am about to describe may apply with but slight modification to a two-wire or other system if such be the available circuit where the machine is to be used. Having chosen to show a three-wire sys- 40 tem, in which the line wires are indicated by ll, 12 and I3, it is obvious that the rail raising switch RS as well as the rail lowering switch LS are of the three make and break type. However, as will be seen, it is but necessary that the switches R and L may be of the double or two pole make and break type. In the case of the relay switch TR or MR, each may be of the single pole make and break type. For purposes of greater understanding of the invention I have shown all switches and the relay in positions of rest.

Each of the switches RS and LS are shown as having electrical operation by means of an electromagnet l4 having action on an armature I 5 which is linked with the switch arms ll, I1 and |8.by means of a connection l9, thespring 28 sewing to hold the switch open normally from contact with the contacts 2],.22 and 23.

Each of the manually operated switches R and I; may be of the push button type, in which the switch arm 24 is held into circuit across the 0on tacts 25 and 26 when the switch is in normal position, as established by a spring 2! beneath the arm 24, and in which the switch arm establishes contact across contacts 28 and 29 when it has been pressed manuallyagainst the tension of spring 21. g

In the relay TR a simple make and break switch is shown, consisting of a switch arm 38 adapted to be moved into contact with a conpermit a time-limiting return movement ofthe relay to normal condition with the circuit broken, as shown.

In the relay MR the alternative of having a spring bring the arm 36 into engagement with contact 31 to close the circuit is shown, while the dash pot idea is displaced by a directly actuated finger 38 extending from some operating part of the machine, such general association therewith being suggested by dotted line connection 39 with the motor M. Such a finger may engage a finger 48 on switch arm 36 to open the switch against the tension of spring 35 when the motor is reversed. In the event the diagrammatic disclosure suggests the thought, it may be developed that stops 4| and 42 may be provided to limit the movement of finger 38, while the mounting of finger 38 with relation to its operating shaft or other element which moves it, as represented by reference 39, may be frictional if desired.

To describe the operation of my invention as exemplified in Fig. 1, let it be assumed that all the parts are in normal position of rest, which is indicated by the disclosure. Then, let us assume that it is desired to raise the planer rail. The first act is to press upon the button of switch R. This moves arm 24 into contact with contacts 28 and 29. In doing this a circuitis established through a wire 43 from source through contact .28 of switch R, arm 24 of R, wire 44 of contact 25 of switch L, arm 24 of L, contact 26 of L, wire to magnet. l4, and wire 46 to opposite source l3. This causes switch RS to operate by having its arms Hi, I! and I8 moved to contact the respective contacts 2|, 22 and 23, thereby establishing through wires 41, 48 and 49 respectively a circuit with sources l3 and I2 respectively, so that through wires 58, 5| and 52, respectively, power is conveyed to the motor wires 53, 54 and 55 respectively. This sets the motor in operation to drive the mechanism which lifts the planer rail. As soon as the rail has been raised sufiiciently the push button of switch R is released. This breaks circuit between 28 and 29, and opens switch RS, thereby stopping the motor and the rail raising movement. Restoration of switch R to normal position brings arm 24 across contacts 25 and 26 for a purpose which I will describe presently.

Now we shall asume that the rail of the planer is to be lowered to a position wherein tool adjustment may be made for proper work upon the piece being machined. Switch L is pressed until its arm 24 connects contacts 28 and 29 of L. This condition, through a wire 55 which connects contacts 28 of R and 28 of L, brings current from source through wire 43 and arm 24 of R, through arm 24 andcontact 29 of L, to a wire 51 which connects with a magnet connection 58 by meansof which magnet H of LS through wires 46 obtains energization from source complement l3. Thus, arms l6, l1 and I8 of LS are swung by armature l5 and connection l9 of L8 to engage contacts 2 I, 22 and 23 of LS, whereby through motor wires 54, 55 and 53 respectively the motor is started to operate oppositely so that the planer rail is lowered.

Now, since contacts 28 and 29 of L have been connected by arm 24 of L, through a continuation of wire 51 the solenoid coil 59 of relay TR is energized through source wire |3 with which it is connected, thereby lifting piston 32 of the dash pot and forcing relay arm 30 'to close with contact 3|. This position of the piston is maintained as long as switch arm 24 of L closes contacts 28 and 29 of L. However, as soon as the button of switch L is released, the arm 24 of L is lifted by the spring 21 of L to close the circuit across contacts 25 and 26 of L. Naturally, breaking the connection between contacts 28 and 29 of L causes magnet |4 of LS to release switch LS and thus stop the motor and further lowering of the rail. However, since relay dash pot piston 32 occupies raised position and is being released to lower gradually, the switch of TR, remaining closed as it does for a brief interval of time, establishes a circuit through wire 43 from source II and through a wire 68 between contact 3| of TR and contact 29 of R, with wire 44, contact 25 of L, arm 24 of L, and contact 26 of L, whereby, through wire 45, magnet l4 of switch RS forces the switch RS to close, thereby reversing the motor automatically to raise the rail. The raising movement is substantially momentary, or, at best, only sufficient to cause the motor to reverse the direction of drive in order to lift the rail sufficiently to take up any slack or back lash in the gearing, worm or other connections existing mechanically between the motor and the rail. The relay preferably is so set or adjusted that this period of back lash or lost motion take up is reduced to the least period of time which will effect complete suspension of the rail on its lifting mechanism, thereby assuring an accurately level condition of the rail before it is clamped and the machine made ready for operation. Thus, when the switch of TR is opened, the rail of the planer is in perfectly accurate condition for the further work of make-ready, so that the motor may be stopped automatically in this manner.

In Fig. 2 all parts and connections are identical with those shown in Fig. 1, with the exception that the relay shown, as well as .its connections in some respects are different. This distinction is found in the fact that the dash pot and the electrical operation by solenoid 59 is changed for a totally mechanical means of switch operation. For example, I suggest that previous conditioning of the relay is made unnecessary because the first operation of the motor mechanically closes the circuit through arm 36 and contact 31, while mechanical means are employed for opening the switch through the taking up of a slight lost motion in the relay, which would exist between the arm 38 and finger 40 at the time motor reversal was started for the purpose of taking up the back lash in the rail moving mechanism, as has been explained. As soon as this lost motion between the fingers 38 and 40 has been absorbed, the switch of MR will be opened and the motor lifting operation will be stopped. Obviously, it is merely a matter of skill to provide suitable adjustment between the fingers or a predesigned amount of lost motion between them, to limit the motor reversal operation to the minimum required to obtain the rail leveling function for which this invention was conceived.

Perfectly obvious variations from the precise ture, a cross rail adjustably mounted on the tool supporting structure, mechanism for elevating and lowering the cross rail, a source of power for operating the mechanism, manual means for controlling the source of power to lower the cross rail, and automatic means causing the source of power to run in the opposite direction a predetermined amount after said manual means is operated to stop the lowering of the cross rail.

2. In a machine tool, a tool supporting structure, a cross rail adjustably mounted on the tool supporting structure, mechanism for elevating and lowering the cross rail, a source of power for operating the mechanism, manual means for controlling the source of power to lower the cross rail, and automatic means causing the source of power to run in the opposite direction a predetermined period after said manual means is operated to stop the lowering of the rail.

3. In a planer embodying a tool carrying rail, mechanism for moving the rail to adjusted positions, and a motor for operating the mechanism, a circuit for supplying power to the motor, a manually operable switch in the circuit, a circuit reverser between the manual switch and the motor, and automatic means operatively initiated upon termination of the period of operation controlled by the manually operated switch and automatically released thereby to actuate the circuit reverser for a relatively brief period, whereby motor reversal is accomplished.

4. An automatic rail-moving mechanism for planers and the like, comprising a reversible motor for driving the mechanism, a powersupplying circuit for the motor, a manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the.

mechanism to move the rail in one direction, a second manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the mechanism to move the rail in the opposite direction, a switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by one of the manually operable switches for eifecting operation of the motor in one direction, a second switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by the other of the manually operable switches for eiiecting operation of the motor in the opposite direction, and a relay in the circuit and the operation of which is initiated upon operation of one of said manually operated switches, whereby operation of the motor is effected automatically to reverse for a predetermined period of relay operation in response to the operation of said one of said manually operable switches.

5. An automatic rail moving mechanism for planers and the like, comprising a reversible motor for driving the mechanism, a powersupplying circuit for the motor, a manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the mechanism to move the rail in one direction, a second manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the mechanism for moving the rail in the opposite direction, a switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by one of the manually operable switches for eilfecting operation of the motor in one direction, a second switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by the other of the manually operable switches for efiecting operation of the motor in the opposite direction, and a relay in the circuit and the operation of which is initiated upon operation of one of said manually operated switches, whereby operation of the motor is efiected automatically to reverse for a predetermined number of revolutions in response to the operation of said one of said manually operable switches.

6. An automatic rail moving mechanism for planers and the like, comprising a reversible motor for driving the mechanism, a powersupplying circuit for the motor, a manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the mechanism to move the rail in one direction, a second manually operable switch in the circuit for operating the mechanism to move the rail in the opposite direction, a switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by one of the manually operable switches for efiecting operation of the motor in one direction, a second switch in the portion of the circuit controlled by the other of the manually operable switches for efiecting operation of the motor in the opposite direction, and a relay in the circuit and the operation of which is initiated upon operation of one of said manually operated switches, whereby operation of the motor is effected automatically to reverse for a predetermined interval of machine operation in response to the operation of said one of said manually operable switches.

7. In combination in a planer, a tool-carrying rail movable to adjusted positions relatively to the cooperating planer elements, a reversible motor, a mechanism operatively connecting the motor and the rail, and a circuit supplying power to the motor, said circuit including a circuitoperated switch for causing the motor to drive the mechanism to move the rail in one direction, a second circuit-operated switch for causing the motor to drive the mechanism to move the rail in the opposite direction, a manually operable switch in the portion of the circuit operating the first mentioned circuit-operated switch, a second manually operable switch in the portion of the circuit operating the second mentioned circuitoperated switch, said manually operable switches having such interdependent circuit connections that when one is operated and the other remains inoperative said other manually operable switch is introduced in the circuit established by the first operated manually operable switch, and means associated with one of said manually operable switches operating automatically upon operation of said one of the manually operable switches to establish a condition of closure of circuit of the other of said manually operable switches for a predetermined time period whilst said other of said manually operable switches remains inoperative.

8. A driving and leveling mechanism for planer rails consisting of a raising and lowering element for each end of the rail, gearing for operating both elements synchronously, a motor for driving the gearing, and a circuit supplying current to the motor, said circuit comprising two electrically operated motor reversing switches, a switch manually operable and controlling the operation of one of said electrically operated switches to raise the rail, a second switch manually operable and controlling the operation of the other 01' said electrically operated switches to lower the rail and a time delayed electric relay controlling the rail-raising switch and having circuit connection with the manually operable switch which controls the electrically operated rail-lowering switch, whereby operation of said just mentioned manually operable switch will initiate operation of said relay to give the motor a brief period of operation, one of said switches being electrically operated to cause the motor tooperate in one direction to raise the rail, another of said switches being electrically operated to cause the motor to operate in the opposite direction. .to lower the rail, a manually operable switch having circuit connections both in its positions of rest and of manual operation for operating the rail-raising switch upon manual operation, a second manuallyoperable switch having circuit connections both in its positions oirest and of manual operation for operating the rail-lowering switch upon reaching its position of manual operation after assumption of the position of rest of the first mentioned manually operated switch, and a relay having delayed operation for a limited period and associated with said second mentioned manually operable switch in both its positions, whereby upon manual operation of the second mentioned manually operable switch the relay will be conditioned for operation and upon reaching the position of rest of the second mentioned manually operable switch the relay will be permitted.

to operate, said relay having circuit connections such that during its limited period of operation its place in the circuit will constitute a. temporary substitute for the rail-raising switch.

JOHN E. DORAN. 

